Straight from the horse's mouth
/streɪt frəm ðə hɔːsɪz maʊθ/informalUK · US
What does “Straight from the horse's mouth” mean?
Straight from the horse's mouth means directly from the person who knows the facts
If the organiser tells you the concert is cancelled, you have heard it straight from the horse’s mouth. You can name your source to explain why you trust the news.
The phrase promises direct access, not absolute truth. Even someone involved can be mistaken or leave things out.
When do people say it?
Use it to stress that information came from someone directly involved, rather than through gossip or a chain of messages.
“The owner told me the café is closing, so that's straight from the horse's mouth.”
Is it formal or informal?
Register: informal. It is most at home in everyday conversation rather than formal writing. Most common in UK and US.
Where does it come from?
The image gives the horse itself the final word. In everyday use, the “horse” is the person with direct knowledge; the phrase does not call them an animal.
Origin confidence: Disputed; treat with caution
How do you say “Straight from the horse's mouth” in other languages?
Related idioms
- Hear something through the grapevine, Hear news through informal contacts.
Last updated 2026-10-01